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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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The Story of Inca Eocca. 



CHAUNCEY THOMAS. 



23 




BOSTON : 

DAMRELL & UPHAM, 

Ojc ©Itj ^Corner Bookstore, 

283 Washington Street. 
1890. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the j'ear iSgo, 

BY CHAUNCEY THOMAS, 

in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



PRINTED BY C INI. A. TWITCHELL, 
Boston, Mass. 



RUE to her native gifts the wood-bird weaves 
^^i Her matchless nest, and high amid the leaves 

Pours out her song of sweetest melody. 
The wisely prudent bee, unerringly, 
Perfects the angles of her house of wax, 
And from her flowery kingdom gathers tax, 
Though guideless and unschooled. The tawny 

deer 
Breaks through the wood and with light-footed 

fear 
Flies from the hungry wolf on greed intent, 
Then swims the lake to thwart the wolfish scent. 
So man, though isolate for ages past. 
Cut off by eons, as by oceans vast. 
From other climes, where knowledge great hath 

grown. 
Yet doth reveal his kinship, and hath shown. 
That like the bird, the bee, the dappled hind. 
He hath the native cunning of his kind ; 
Buildeth his hut where sweetest waters flow, 
Fashions the spear-head and the sounding bow ; 
Lives by the chase, contends in savage wars, 



Anon erecteth kingdoms, maketh laws, 
Buildeth fair cities, groweth great and wise, 
Bows down before his gods, who in the skies 
Immortal dwell in mansions fair and blest. 
Still, upward tending, knowing naught of rest. 
Like to the brown-coned spruce tree's topmost 

shoot, 
That springeth ever heavenward from the root ; 
He riseth upward from the lowly past. 
Slowly but higher mounting, till at last 
In deep amaze he lifts his eyes to see, 
Far off, the gleaming heights of human destiny. 



PREFACE. 

It will be seen by those familiar with the litera- 
ture concerning ancient Peru that the author of 
the following pages has adopted the chronology of 
Fernandez Montessinos, rather than" that of Gar- 
cillasso de Vega and other contemporary writers, 
who are commonly quoted as the best authority. 
In this, the writer follows the lead of Baldwin, 
who, in his " Ancient America," ably defends the 
much discredited Montessinos from the contemp- 
tuous slurs of many writers, cotemporary and 
modern. It must be remembered that in the six- 
teenth century, as well as in much later times, all 
facts were looked upon with theological eyes, and 
all thought was necessarily brought into strict ac- 
cord with theological dogmas. 

Few writers of that time were bold enough to 
suggest that man could have been an inhabitant 
of America for a longer time than a few centuries, 
and the particular tribe of Adam to which the red 
man belonged, as well as the time and manner of 



his immigration, were subjects of earnest and 
sometimes angry discussion. 

Montessinos, by his long residence in Peru, his 
genuine interest in the people and their history, so 
unusual in a Monk of that time, and the fact that 
he alone of all the Spanish priests, gained the con- 
fidence of the natives and learned from them in 
their own language a vast amount of their legen- 
dary lore, entitles him to great consideration. He 
claimed to have learned to read the Ouippu, that 
remarkable instrument by which the Peruvians 
kept their records. From these sources he claims 
to have gathered information which shows that one 
hundred and six kings, beginning with Manco 
Capac, ruled over Peru in a nearly unbroken line. 
The Peruvian rulers were a long-lived race, and 
usually died from natural causes. This line of long- 
lived rulers might easily have covered a period of 
three thousand years, which would make King Manco 
a contemporary of Ramasses, the great, instead 
of being as Garcilasso has it, the first of the lucas, 
of which there were but thirteen princes in all, 
and their reign began in the twelveth century 
Montessinos places Rocca at the head of the line 
of Incas. He relates that Rocca when a youth 



was so beautiful and brave that whenever he ap- 
peared in public the people would cry '' Inca 
Rocca " (Lord Rocca). This title, thus given, he 
assumed on his accession to the throne as a dis- 
tinctive title of royalty for himself and his succes- 
sors. Rocca reigned some fifty years, and was 
undoubtedly a very remarkable man. 

Of the vast antiquity of man in America there 
is now no question whatever. The evidence of his 
civilization also points to a period so remote as to 
amaze us by the long vista of centuries reaching 
back to that far off time. 

It is a remarkable fact that the oldest known 
remains of Egyptian monuments and works of art 
are of a higher quality than those of later ages. 
And the state of the arts in ancient Peru, probably 
coeval with the best days of Egyptian greatness, 
show an exact parallelism. 

The magnificent ruins near lake Titicaca, show 
works which in conception and execution were in- 
finitely superior to any similar works known to be 
built in the Inca period. 



The Story of Inca Rocga. 



THE LEGEND. 

HE bright god Inti, ever glorious Sun, 

Who rules arched heaven, spake thus unto 
the Moon 
His spouse, the silverhaired, with jewelled crown : 
" Look down to earth upon the sons of men 
And mark their woes. Full long in darkness lost, 
Wanting restraint and guidance, wandering wild 
They know not that the willing earth awaits 
The husbandman, and craves the quickened seed. 
Wilt aid them goddess ? Speak, for thine own words 
Shall guide our acts." 

"Great Inti, sovereign lord, 
Thy spoken words, supremely wise, rouse up 
Within my heart, a deep desire to help 
As in me lies, thy goodly purpose on 
If pleasing in thy sight, let there go hence 



INC A ROCCA. 



Two of our heaven-born children, to the earth 
As King- and Queen, to gather up the tribes, 
To guard and guide them." 

Spake the source of light : 
" 'Tis well fair Ouilla, send our loved ones forth." 

Thus \\\ the wondrous days of long ago 

Great Manco Capac, and his sister-wife, 

Mama Oello, by the radient gods 

Were sent in love to lift the people up, 

To teach them husbandry, and useful arts, 

To spin and weave, and clothe their naked forms. 

Divine compassion ! 

This celestial pair. 
The son and daughter of the Sun and Moon, 
Descended upon Titicaca's isle. 
High on the summit of the sacred rock 
That lifts its head in majesty above 
The lake's broad waters. This most sacred spot, 
Walled round with gems, and paved with golden 

tiles, 
Was spread with cumbi cloth, and high above 
On golden bars, hung broad webbed tapestries, 
Whose many colors all resplendent shone 



THE RECEPTION. n 

In darkness as in light. Here for a time 
In blest communion dwelt the royal twain. 

Then came the air god, with his shadowy wings, 
Who spread his raiment wide in somber folds, 
Scattered bright lightning from his finger tips, 
And with his voice of thunder shook the earth ; 
Stooping, he caught unto his cloudy breast 
These favored children of the mighty gods, 
Swiftly he bore them o'er the surging lake 
Now mounting high amidst the white-robed 

clouds, 
Then downward plunging, sweeping o'er the flood 
To greet the water god, who upward tossed 
The white-topped waves to kiss the royal feet. 
The earth god took them in his giant arms. 
As from their airy flight they reached the shore ; 
He gave them earthly fruits, and with a gourd 
Refreshed them with cool water from the brook. 
Then said the god : " Right welcome, heavenly 

born, 
Henceforth thou art of earth, her pregnant soil 
Shall ever yield thee up abundant store 
Of her rich fruits, to give thee sustenance." 



INCA ROCCA. 



Then northward o'er the rugged Andean slopes 
Manco and Ocllo journeyed on, 
Crossing the frowning crests and smiUng vales, 
Bearing a golden wedge of magic power, 
Seeking the fairest spot in all the land 
On which to fix their royal dwelling place. 
Onward they passed, amid the varying scenes, 
Eating the wholsome fruits from laden trees, 
Resting in shady nooks and vine-clad bowers ; 
The sun shone brightly on their chosen path. 
The full-faced moon watched o'er them while they 

slept. 
The lofty mountains charmed their wondering eyes, 
The ])ristling si)urs, like to the bony ribs 
That spring from out the spine of some huge beast, 
Reached down toward the plain from the white 

crests. 
Bounding the sinuous valley, right and left, 
Which ill its midst bore outward to the sea 
The deep voiced river. 

•'Behold, behold ! " said Manco, 
** Look on the wondrous beauty of this scene ! 
Here gladly would T spend my days, but yet 
The golden wedge moves not, nor give us sign, 



THE FAIR VALLEY, 13 

And we must journey on though this sweet vale, 
Looks fairer than the garden of the gods." 
At length admidst the highest mountain plains, 
They reached a valley broad and passing fair, 
Well watered by the limpid mountain rills. 
Whose never failing source was high above, 
Out-flowing from the everlasting snows ; 
The rugged peaks sent down their cooling breath, 
While from the west the soft sea breezes came. 
Moistening the fruit trees and the growing corn ; 
The mighty trees that crowned the noble hills 
Invited rest beneath their spreading boughs, 
The leaf-clad home of sweet-voiced singing birds. 
" Stay Manco, stay," said beauteous Oello, 
''There cannot be another place so fair ; 
My eyes are charmed, now with the distant view, 
And now my senses revel in these flowers. 
See how yon placid lake among the hills 
Displays a mimic world beneath its flood. 
The joyous sounds, the colors bright and fair. 
The wondrous odors sweet, thrill every sense 
And fill me with delight." 

" The golden wedge ! 
It moves, it struc^gles, as if having life ! " 



14 INC A ROCCA. 

He placed the shining thing, quick, in her hand, 
When down it plunged, o'er tasking all her 

strength, 
And with a blinding flash it passed from sight, 
Down deep into the earth, and left no sign. 
" The gods be praised," said Manco, '' here we 

rest, 
And here shall stand the city of the kings. 
This is the central spot in this broad land. 
Therefor we call it *Cuzco. Look, Oello ! 
On yonder hill behold our royal house, 
The gods themselves have built a lodge for us, 
Let us with praises to the Sun and Moon 
Enter with joy our princely dwelling place." 

Near by a llama and her pretty lamb 
Cropped the green herbage by the water side ; 
Now creeping from the forest covert, stole 
A tawny jaguar, then with swift leaps 
He sprung upon the peaceful, pretty beasts, 
And burying in their throats his bloody fangs. 
Drank from the crimson current of their lives, 
Then leisurely regained the forest shade. 
Oello gazed upon the fearful scene 

* Naval. 



OELLO'S ALARM. 15 

In speechless terror. Then a serpent dropped, 
Down from a branch, upon a great eyed hare, 
Crushed it in the horror of its folds. 
Then seized it in its wide extended jaws 
And gorged the shapeless body in her sight. 
" Oh, Manco, thou hast wisdom, tell me why 
The gods permit these acts so terrible, 
Why is the world so fair, when loathsome shapes 
Like those that prowl, and creep along the ground, 
And feed on flesh and blood, find their abode 
Within these shades 1 This beauteous scene 
Seems fit alone for peace, for joy, and love. 
All things that grow delight my inmost sense, 
While all these terrible and cruel beasts 
Fill me with fear. Oh, Manco, do not stay 
Where wide mouthed monsters roam and rule 

unchecked." 
'' Fear not, sweet wife, no harm can come to thee ; 
The gods will shield their children, trust in them, 
These creatures do no wrong, no moral sense 
Restrains their acts, for they are not like men. 
We know not why the gods created them, 
And still sustain them, for we are not gods. 
But hark, what sounds are those from o'er the hill 



i6 INC A JWCCA. 



That break the quiet of this valley fair ? " 

A struggling mass of men now came in sight, 
Naked and brown, all armed with clubs and spears, 
Backward they come, pressed by their stronger 

foes, 
Driven step by step, by arrows tipped with flint, 
While furious sling-stones smote against their 

breasts. 
Bringing to earth the stoutest warriors. 
The shouts of victory, the shrieks and groans, 
The dreadful din of furious battling foes. 
Filled Oello with womanly affright, 
And weeping at the fearful sights and sounds. 
She tightly clas}:)ed about her lord's strong arm. 
And sought to draw him backward from the scene. 
" Oh, take me hence ! " she cried in agony, 
'' And let us flee where nothing that has breath 
Can harry us. Alone with lovely flowers. 
Where trees and herbage grow, let us abide." 
" Fear not, beloved Oello, thus the gods 
Invite us to our task. These savage men 
Who like the beasts do tear each others hearts. 
And seem to live for naught but to destroy, 



MAA'CO\S APPKAL. 17 



Have yet within them seeds of noble growth, 
If but the sun of love do on them shine 
And pierce with its bright rays their darkened 

minds." 
Then Manco, lifting up his mighty voice 
Above the noise of battle, clear and loud, 
Cried out until the warring legions heard, 
And turned with wonder from their bloody work, 
" Children, attend ! cease from your deadly strife, 
Lay down your arms, and listen to my words ! 
I am your King, and this your Sovereign Queen ; 
The loving gods have sent us down to you. 
See, yonder is our house made without hands. 
Come thou with us to sit in council there." 
The naked chiefs, in silent awe beheld 
The heavenly pair, in shining garments clad. 
Then fell upon their faces, one and all, 
Nor raised their e^yes till bidden by th'eir king. 
Meekly following their new-found lord, 
The chiefs advanced toward the royal lodge, 
Trembling with fear, they gladly would have fled, 
Yet greater fear constrained them to obey. 
Entering the stately hall, the king and queen 
Ascended to the dais, high and grand. 



I&' INC A ROCCA. 



Then sat them down upon their golden seats, 
And thus the king addressed the circled chiefs; 
" Lift up your heads my children, look ye up 
Into our eyes ! We covet not your fears, 
But crave that love we hope to win from you ; 
The gods have need of you to do their will 
In building up a nation, great and good. 
They wish to teach you how to live in peace. 
And how to make the earth yield up its fruits ; 
They wish that you may know of all things good, 
And be a brotherhood of noble men. 
How many brave men of this company, 
Who without fear of danger, want or toil. 
Will do my bidding as their rightful lord, 
And ':hus assist the gods ? " 

Like leaping flames 
The hand of every chief was raised aloft, 
While eagerly they gazed upon the king 
With fear and wonder in their reverent eyes. 
** We wish for four strong men, most stout of heart, 
To visit the four quarters of the land. 
And bid all chiefs to come to us in peace, 
To hold high ceuncil here." 

Down walked the king. 



THE MISSION. 



And by the right hand led each chosen one 
Forth to the place of parting, back to back, 
And facing north and south and east and west. 
He placed them, l)inding fast to each broad breast 
A shining Jewell from Oello's neck. 
In token of the lofty trust imposed, 
And then each proud and honored messenger, 
Made strong by kingly blessings on his head, 
Went swiftly forward on his lonely way; 
'Twas thus the ancient empire had its birth, 
And thus the children of the sun were sent, 
To make a nation of the savage tribes. 

Long ages passed. The slow and measured march 
Of centuries transformed the wilderness, — 
The haunts of hunting tribes and hunted beasts, 
To mountain pastures, dotted o'er with flocks, 
And broad, green valleys, spread with cultured 

fields. 
The generations came and went, and each 
Left something learned, to those that followed on. 
A peaceful look grew in the people's eyes, 
Joy spake in softened tones from smiling lips, 
And thoughtful brows, intent on problems vast, 



20 JNCA ROCCA. 



Bent o'er their pictured schemes of mighty works, 
While cunning hands with rule and stylus traced 
The ornate lines to guide the chisel's course. 
Great cities grew apace, as time rolled on, 
And as a mighty tree the empire grew, 
Spreading o'er all the land from north to south. 
From mountain to the sea, and o'er the roads, — 
Those rock built roads that spanned the empire, — 

passed 
Her countless thousands. 

In never failing streams 
From mountain snows, the cooling waters ran 
Through aqueducts, with wondrous skill built up 
To spring from fountains in the city squares, 
And fiow in channels through the thirsty soil. 
Through all the valleys and green mountain slopes 
Rose cheerful songs of busy millions grown, 
Content to toil in peace and plenteousness. 

Alas that ever devastating war 
Should lift its head amid such peaceful scenes. 
Should flaunt its gory banners, dripping red, 
And on the hearthstones of deserted homes 
Whet keen its blades, dulled in the work of war. 



THE INVASJON. 21 



Unguarded, and in calm repose, Peru 

Serenely sat, when like a sudden storm 

That rages through black night, and shakes the 

earth, 
A countless hord of dark-skinned warriors 
Came o'er the Andes from the eastern plains. 
With leathern shields, with spears and arrows 

armed, 
Down through the valleys poured the living stream, 
Resistless as the torrent Terrible 
As beasts of prey. Swift as the condor's flight. 
As when some garden all abloom with flowers. 
Its springing herbage, quick with boyant life. 
Is without warning stiffened by a frost ; 
Then all its tender leaves and hopeful buds. 
Droop down and blacken in the morning sun. 
Its fragrance and its glorious beauty gone. 
And in their place but deathly odors rank. 
So fell Peru from her proud opulence. 
Despoiled and pillaged ; all her cultured fields 
Burdened with golden grain, now black and bare ; 
The people slain or fled ; consuming fires 
Darkened the sun with clouds of stifling smoke. 
The land was desolate. King Titu slain. 



JNCA ROCCA. 



The rightful heir and nobles of the court 

Abandoned Cuzco in her hour of need 

And fled to Tambotoco. Here secure 

In rugged mountain fastness, safe ensconced, 

The ancient house took up its residence. 

And reigned in peace, but in most humble state, 

While many ages passed. The palaces, 

The stately halls and temples of the gods, 

With shrines of beaten gold and silver decked, 

Were left behind, the prize most coveted 

By each adventurous chief and scheeming prince, 

Who ruled some fragment of the once proud realm, 

Held each and every neighbor as his foe, 

And warred across his ever changing bounds. 



ROCCK. 

!^S was the custom in the olden days, 

The king by royal right had many wives, 
And Ceboca, the beautiful, was one ; 
She bore a son named Rocca, fair he grew, 
His mother's idol and her second self. 
As near as son can take a mother's mould, 
His kinsman all, though old and grave, would smile 
When Rocca's bright and winning face appeared, 
And oft would say, *'lf he were but the heir 
What hopes would centre round so fair a prince." 
Ceboca heard these whisperings, and resolved 
That Rocca should supplant the imbecile 
Whose birth proclaimed him heir. With cunning 

craft 
She fostered well this preferance of the court ; 
But needless all her intrigues. Rocca grew 
So great in public favor that his name 
Was on all tongues When he was grown a man 
He begged the king to send him forth to fight 



24 TNCA ROCCA. 

The robber bands, who on the border swarmed 
In ever growing numbers. In this employ 
He won such high renown for deeds of arms, 
That when returning with his captive bands, 
The people shouted, '' *Inca Rocca comes." 
Then wise Ceboca saw the time was ripe, 
And dressed in all her costliest robes she sought 
Her lord, the king, and in his willing ears 
She poured such tales of Rocca' s bravery, 
His beauty, and his many shining traits, 
And how of all his sons he was most fit 
To wear the fLlautu, when the gods should call 
Her royal spouse beloved, up to the skies. 
The king much moved made answer, '' Princess 

fair, 
It shall be as you wish. I love the boy, 
And count him worthy of his sire and thee, 
Therefore, sweet princess, let thy heart be glad.' 
Then great the joy of all within the court, 
When noble Rocca was the chosen one. 
The king invested in his robes of state, 
Attended by his nobles, all arrayed 
In courtly robes and head-bands, had called up 

* Lord Rocca. t The royal head-band. 



THE ROYAL FEAST. 25 



The youthful Rocca, and had pierced his ears 

With pointed styles of gold, and on his brow 

A fillet bound of yellow Cumbi cloth, 

Then from his knees he raised him to his feet, 

The future king of ancient Tambotoco. 

The nobles bowed in solemn majesty, 

And offered duty, loyalty, and love. 

*' Now to the games, my prince," king Cupo cried, 

" And be thy foot as swift, thy arm as strong. 

As were thy sire's, when of thy years." 

Four days 
The feast and games continued. Feats of strength, 
The young men's race, the bow shot games. 
And last, thj noble contest with the lance. 
Were followed at the close of each day's sport 
By feasting, plays, and with the graceful dance. 
Nor ceased the joyous rounds of revelry 
Until the midnight torches burned away. 

The time was troublous and ripe for change. 
Deep whisperings of revolt from gathering clouds, 
That like a coming tempest, black and stern. 
Cast their dull shadows o'er the neighboring states, 
By warring kings, misgoverened and oppressed ; 



26 INCA ROCCA. 



For since the time of the old empire's fall, 
A thousand years had passed. 

Insatiate war, 
That heeds not right nor life, nor love, 
Had gorged upon the people's sustenance. 
Often had famine, with her haggard eyes, 
Dwelt in their midst, and following in her path 
Dread pestilence had come to still the cries 
Of hungering thousands. Still the strife went on, 
No lasting peace, but ever and anon 
The angry notes of war were heard again. 
And then the growing corn was trampled down. 
And smoking hamlets marked the deathly trail 
Of warlike bands. 

The time wore slowly on. 
The victors of to-day, to-morrow slaves, 
Then slaves grown stronger break their bonds, and 

thus 
A thousand years had passed, like crested waves 
That roll and break along a rock-bound shore, 
Then sink back silent in the vast abyss. 
So had the noisy years for ages gone, 
Scattered their fretful foam athwart the world, 
And sunk to silence in the endless past. 



WAR AND FAMINE. 27 

A thousand years of war. Oh sympathy 
'Tis well thou canst not scan with pitying eye 
The boundless world of woe the past hath known, 
Else thou wouldst weep thine eyes away in grief, 
And bless thy loss that thou no more could see. 



THE SHET^RING H[\7NT. 

fT was the season of the shearing hunt, 
The festal time when all the people joined 
In hunting down the wild flocks of the hills, 
To rob them of the precious fleece of wool, 
And bring down to the plains a goodly store 
Of well grown lambs, to serve the yearly feast. 
Forth sped the heralds, crying all abroad : 
"The hunt, the hunt, the hunt, the shearing hunt. 
The king commands, and Rocca leads the hunt. 
Toil not to-morrow in the fields of maize, 
But join the joyous hunt. The wild flocks graze 
High on the hills. Gather and circle round 
The feeding lands, then forward to the sound 
Of shouts, and horns, and merry hunting lays. 
Keep wary watch through all the forest ways. 
Lest horned bucks charge down the mountain path 
Or prowling beasts escape thy weapons wrath ; 
That nothing may be wanting in the chase, 
Let each have his apportioned arms in place ; 
Stout poles to baffle wild Vicuna's leap, 



THE DEPARTURE. 29 

And cords to bind Alpacca's struggling feet ; 

The bolas take, with its entangUng thongs, 

To catch swift Huanuco as he runs ; 

Sharp be thy shears to clip the shaggy backs ; 

To bear away the wool, bring agave sacks ; 

Bj watchful of the puma in his lair, 

His teeth are long, his claws are sharp, beware! 

Stand firm when Puma leaps, nor heed your fears, 

And let him fall upon your clustering spears, 

Then leave his skinless body on the stones, 

The condors and the ants will bare his bones. 

Then gather for the hunt, the shearing hunt, 

The king commands, and Rocca leads the hunt ! " 

Gaily the morning dawned and wet with dew, 
The mighty army of the hunters came. 
Awaking all the echos of the morn 
With joyous shouts and high voiced melodies, 
With sounding horns, that merry music made 
Among the cliffs and gorges of the hills. 
Away the hunters sped in ordered bands, 
Each to his post to wait the leader's call. 
Then came a louder blast and braver song, 
And Rocca with his noble kinsmen came, 



30 JNCA ROCCA. 



In leathern garments dressed, with plumed caps, 
All armed with hunting spears of shining bronze, 
Onward they passed to join the circling line, 
And soon were in the greenwood lost to sight. 

Down slowly in the west the red sun sank, 
As from the hills again the hunters' notes 
Came faintly o'er the vale, then swelling loud. 
The gay songs smote the ear, and onward came 
The lengthening throng, all laden down with spoil, 
The reeking skins of beasts in triumph borne. 
The red limp flesh of many slaughtered bucks, 
To cut in shreds and dry upon the rocks ; 
High packs of wool to broad, strong shoulders 

strapped. 
And well grown lambs to serve the coming feast. 
But hark ! What means that loud discordant cry 
That all stand still and listen ? Once again 
It echoes clear and loud. The bale fires blaze, ! 
Then turning to the east, all saw the flame 
That mounted high above the signal rocks 
Upon the distant hills. Then Rocca came, 
Loud shouting as he ran : ** To arms ! To arms ! 
Quick to your homes, then to the city haste, 



THE COUNCIL. 31 

With all your arms in hand to meet the foe." 
Swiftly he left behind the hurrying throng, 
Sped onward till he reached the city gates, 
And joined the struggling mass that crowded in. 

King Cupo, burdened with the weight of years, 
Beheld the warning, and a mighty fear 
Chilled all his blood and shook his aged frame. 
"My councillors," he cried, "go summon them, 
And Rocca, where is he } bring him to me." 
Amidst the tumult which ensued, the king 
Was borne within the crowded hall of state. 
And gently placed upon his cushioned seat. 
Then Rocca came, with heaving chest and hot. 
And stood by Cupo's side. 

In feeble tones 
The king addressed his eager auditors : 
" My nobles, captains, leaders of our hosts. 
Danger is nigh, our enemies are at hand ; 
This must be Cuzco, knocking at our gates. 
Who, with his ally Huan in command, 
Seeks to destroy our ancient dynasty. 
We lack the strength to stand before their hordes 
And give them battle. Therefore I advise 



INC A ROCCA. 



That you, my wise and trusty councillors, 

Go forth and meet them. Ask them what they 

seek, 
And if more land they still would take from us, 
We must needs give them what we cannot hold. 
What say you, noble Rocca ? would'st resist 
And lose our lives and our possessions too ? 
Or shall we, armless and in peaceful guise. 
Meet them, and deal with them as best we may ? " 
"My august sire, seek council of the old. 
But let the young men fight. If I am rash 
That I woul 1 meet the foe with our best arms. 
Judge me not thoughtless, for we all do know 
That in thy youth thy daring saved the state, 
Else we should long have toiled as Cuzco's slaves. 
Shall we go forth unarmed and white with fear, 
And shall we bend for them our willing necks. 
That they may fix their burdens on our backs } 
What say ye princes. Children of the Sun } 
And you high nobles of the royal line 1 
What say you captains of our warlike hosts t 
Shall we submit to black-browed Huan's arms, 
And save our blood to quicken slavish limbs } 
Or shall each man who hath an arm to strike, 



CUPO'S COMMAND. 33 

A hand to clutch, a foot to bear him on, 
Take up his arms for country and for king ? 
Then each and all, with just wrath all aflame, 
Go forth with hearts like hungry jaguars, 
To leap upon this base invading horde. 
And, like the whirlwind, smite them to the earth." 
With gleaming eyes the white-haired king arose. 
And clasping Rocca in a close embrace, 
" My noble boy," he cried, "thou vvarm'st my blood, 
And show'st me the old luck power to lead. 
For bounding courage jumps with pliant limbs ; 
But when the fervent fires of youth are quenched, 
Defencless feels the heart when palsied hands, 
Alone remain to offer feeble guard. 
Now haste ye. Gather up your armed bands 
And follow Rocca, wheresoe're he leads ; 
Let each a mighty hero count himself, 
And may the gods be with you ! 
Hence, away ! " 



THE GATHERING. 

IGH on the tower that crowned the temple, 
blazed 
A flaming fire, the king's stern call to arm.s, 
And soon fierce warUke cries and rattling drums, 
Resounded from the lofty city walls ; 
Anon came louder cries and noisier drums, 
As from without the gates came thronging in 
Strong plowmen, and the herdsmen of the plains, 
With heavy bows and sheaves of arrows armed, 
Their dark eyes gleaming in the ruddy light, 
That shone upon them from the sacred tower, 
Lighting up their faces sten and dark. 
And flashing from a thousand brazen spears. 

The night advances. *Chasquis, swift of foot. 
Report an army coming up the pass. 
Hearing old Cuzco's banners in the van, 
With king Yupanqui's favorite in command, 
The dreaded Huan. 

* Messenger. 



THE PREPARATION. 35 

Then Rocca and his hosts 
Led on by chief Huascar, brave and wise, 
Marched boldly forth to meet the veterans, 
The famous fighting men of Cuzco's king. 
Swiftly and silently they hastened on 
To reach the chosen ground, a narrow gorge, 
With thickly wooded hills on either hand. 
Huascar called a halt, and thus announced 
The order of the battle : 

'' Huan attacks 
Most fiercely at one point, with all his strength. 
To meet his onset, we in solid ranks 
Will post ourselves across his only path, 
While reaching forward on the right and left, 
Our bowmen we will plant, ten thousand strong, 
Each with a hundred arrows, brazen tipped. 
All safely hidden in the friendly wood, 
And when the battle opens in the front. 
We'll hurl upon them such a furious blast 
Of deadly bolts, that they must needs be brave. 
Who hold their ground in such a raging storm ; 
While in the bloody struggle with the lance. 
Our weapons are as good, our arms as strong, 
As any faithless Cuzco can oppose. 



36 INCA A'OCCA. 



Our hearts are burning with a holy fire, 
Which centuries of wrong have kept aglow, 
And who can falter in the coming fray, 
When our beloved Rocca leads the way ! " 

The waning moon revealed the sheltered nook 
And vantage ground, and when the bowmen strong 
Had been disposed by old Huascar's craft, 
And all the spearmen had their posts assigned, 
They lay then down in silence on their arms, 
To wait for sunlight, and the coming foe. 



TME BT^TTL-E. 



P came the sun. The waiting warriors bowed 

In silent prayer, to him whose glorious 
light 
With beauty clothed the earth. 

The priests stood up, 
And of the shining deity invoked 
His godly aid. Then all the host was still. 

On came the enemy. Their spears like maize tips 
Waving in the wind, swayed right and left, 
Obedient to the soldiers swinging step ; 
Now quick as if the earth had cast them up, 
The hosts of Rocca stood in solid mass. 
Confronting with a grim and silent strength. 
The veteran army of a conquering chief. 
Then Huan, with his captains, called a halt. 
And pushing to the front to scan his foes. 
Burst forth with loud derisive laugh, and cried : 
*' Behold old Tambotoco's valiant sons ! 
I had some fear that we should lack employ, 



38 INC A ROCCA. 



But these assembled tillers of the earth, 
Will give us exercise, if they but stand 
Till we have stained our weapons with their blood, 
Then we will leave their bodies to the birds, 
And hasten onward to the ancient halls, 
Where we will sup most royally to-night. 
With appetites as sharp as our good spears ; 
The virgins of the sun shall fill our cups. 
Those golden cups, old Cupo's ancient boast. 
And princes of the blood shall serve the feast." 

In angry silence Tambotoco heard 

The taunting words that Huan shouted out, 

Then all eyes sought the prince. With his stout 

lance 
He boldly sallied forth, then turned him round. 
Facing his comrades, back toward the foe, 
And struggling with his mighty wrath, he said : 
** Companions, brothers, if you needed words 
To kindle in your hearts a fiercer flame. 
Than that which burns and animates you now, 
The sacrilegious speech you all have heard 
Would far out-weigh my most impassioned words. 
Oh, Father, if I had a thousand lives. 



THE CONFLICT. 39 



And each as precious as the one I have, 

All would I fling into this deadly strife, 

Nor cease while yet an arm remained to strike." 

Then turning on the foe, he cried aloud : 

" Forward with lance." And then a cry went up, 

A fierce wild cry from many thousand throats. 

As with a mighty rush from either side, 

The warriors met with maddening clash of arms. 

Then midst the shouts and shrieks, were deathly 

moans, 
The ground was shaken by the struggling feet, 
As back and forth the battling armies swayed. 
Rocca, now in the thickest of the fight, 
Soon face to face, encountered great Chimpo, 
The famous chief, who fought with brazen mace, 
Over and around the chieftain's head 
The heavy weapon whirled, its bristling spikes 
Besmeared with gory clots. 

With eager haste 
He aimed to crush the youth at one great blow, 
And raised his weapon high, when swift as light 
His arm was pierced by Rocca's brazen lance. 
The heavy mace fell harmless to the ground ; 
Then Rocca wrenched his dripping weapon forth, 



40 JNCA ROCCA. 



And plunged it in the wounded giant's breast. 

Hiian, whose eye had followed Rocca's course, 

Marked sturdy Chimpo's fall, and mad with rage, 

He cried aloud, '* Bring Chimu Titu here." 

Then came the hero of a hundred fights, 

His hands and lance all red, his garments stained. 

His glaring eye his savage mood bespoke. 

'- Go stay that mad youth's course, for he hath slain 

The noble Chimpo. Be thou wary Titu, 

Lest the reckless fury of the boy 

May gain advantage o'er thy greater strength." 

" If thou dost fear that Titu may not stand 

Before that heedless youth, another call. 

While I seek worthier foes." 

" Nay, fearless Titu, 
Scorn not the hand that struck great Chimpo 

down, 
Mark how he lays about him, hasten Titu." 
Then Titu rushed upon the fighting youth. 
As some great beast decends upon its prey ; 
But Rocca saw the veteran warrior's charge. 
And ere they closed together, hurled his lance 
Straight for great Titu's crest. The metal sank 
Deep in the forehead of the mighty chief. 



HCrAA^'S DEFEAT. 41 

And down he fell, a senseless mass of flesh. 
Huan amazed, saw Rocca seize his lance, 
And once again rush madlv on his foes, 
While all around, fiercely the battle raged, 
As if the gods themselves were up in arms 
And fighting with his foes. Before his eves 
Lay thick around him, prone upon tne ground, 
His dying chieftains, all his mighty men. 
Then Huan called his messenger, and cried : 
" Bid Uchu come, and bring up all his force ; 
Haste, or the day is lost ! " 

Swift as the wind 
The plumed Chasqui sped through wood and field, 
Seeking the strong reserve, with whose fresh 

strength 
Huan had thought to turn the tide of war, 
Then unopposed, march to the city gates 
With waving banners, and with sounding horns. 
But as he pushed his perilous way among 
The hurrying throngs, and ever flying darts, 
He came upon the field where Uchu's force 
Had waited for their chief to call them up. 
Alas for Cuzco ! All the ground was strown 
With bleeding warriors, pierced with brazen darts. 



42 INCA ROCCA. 



Backward he fled, across the crimson field, 
And stood before his chief, in mute dismay. 
" Why comes not Uchu, speak, didst find his 

band ? " 
" All whom the arrows have not pierced have fled, 
Uchu is slain, I saw him on the field 
Amid his noble comrades, stark and still. 
All pierced with arrows." 

*' All is lost ! " said Huan, 
" This day of shame will rouse Yupanqui's wrath. 
And blacken in his eyes our brightest deeds." 
While Huan spoke, came Rocca for him stright. 
Opening a pathway with his reeking lance, 
Fiercely he strove to reach the hated chief. 
Then charged upon him with a furious thrust ; 
But Huan struck aside the bloody bronze. 
And grappling with the youth with giant strength, 
He bore him to the ground. 

"Bind him with cords, 
All is not lost if we but get this boy 
In safety hence. This shall appease the king. 
Now sound the horns, and turn our warriors back. 
For we must gather up our scattered bands, 
And hasten homeward with this captive prince." 



THE CAPTIVE. 43 

Heroic Rocca, all alone in bonds, 

Strode proudly on amid his armed guard, 

His heart exultant and his mind elate ; 

He saw the peril to his country passed, 

Her foes in flight or dead upon the field, 

Himself a victor, though a prisoner ; 

No thought of fear oppressed his buoyant heart, 

His bonds he heeded not, but lost in thought, 

He all unconscious, gave his musings words : 

" Why should not Cuzco's power be overthrown. 

And in the place of that career of blood, 

A reign of peace and justice be enthroned ? " 

His guardsmen heard, and said with voices hushed, 

''We daily pray the gods it might be so." 

" Art thou a prince ? " the foremost guardsman 

said. 
"Aye, friends, a prince and yet thy prisoner." 
" When thou art free — which may the gods 

permit — 
Come thou again to us and be our king, 
For we are sore oppressed ! " 

" Bate not your prayers. 
The gods will hear you yet and lift you up ; 
They cannot suffer this great wrong to last." 



44 INC A ROCCA. 



And then a vision such as youth can dream, 

Enwrapt his mind in gorgeous imagery ; 

The ancient palaces of Cuzco rose 

In stately majesty before his eyes, 

A youthful monarch sat in kingly state 

Upon a golden seat, and by his side 

A lovely bride, a beauteous Coya sat. 

While gathered round him in the noble halls, 

Were royal governors of distant states ; 

Their only strife was friendly rivalry, 

In doing honor to their lord and king ; 

The yellow fillet which adorned his brow. 

Proclaimed him Tombotoco's chosen prince. 

Thus dreamed the noble youth as he marched on, 

Unmindful of the toils that hedged him round. 

At night the army rested. Huan called 
Topa, the one he trusted most, and said : 
" Of what portent dost find the soldiers speech ? 
Is't but the muttered plaint of hardship borne, 
Or is there danger in't } Their faces speak 
The rankest treason, if I con them right." 
"Thy judgment is most true, they love thee not, 
And boldly threat the king with violence." 



HUAN. 45 



" They love me not, good Topa, that I know, 
But they shall fear me ! Did'st thou hear them say 
Whom they would lift to great Yupanqui's seat. 
When they have pulled him down ? Who thinkest 

thou 
Will wear the Llautu, when Yupanqui falls ? " 
"Master, I know not, the princes all are slain ; 
Thou art thyself the greatest, next the king, 
But not of royal blood." 

*' It matters not, 
The weak hand of a girl shall lift me up, 
To that proud seat Yupanqui sits upon. 
Dost thou remember, Topa, when we fought 
The Yuncas, pushed them straight adown the hills, 
And slaughtered them upon their own hot plains? 
'Twas then the king, rejoicing, promised me 
The little princess Nusta, for my wife, 
And she shall serve me, Topa, in good time." 
"Will not this failure count against thy schemes .?" 
" Fear not for me, good friend, the weak man 

sinks 
When storms arise, the strong withstands the blast, 
And gathers profit from the general wrack." 



ov/zco. 

©ONFUSION reigned in Cuzco. Swift 
messengers 
Spread wide the story of the bloody field, 
And king and court with lamentations loud, 
Bewailed the direful loss. 

The chanting priests 
Prayed to the gods, and pierced their flesh with 

thorns. 
At length the bruised and bleeding soldiery 
Came straggling homeward, wearily and wan, 
A wretched remnant of the brave array, 
That marched so gaily forth but yesterday. 

In gloomy state the king and Huan met. 
While eager eyes looked on, hoping to catch 
Some look or word in which a gleam of light 
Might give their fears relief. 

"Oh, noble Huan," 
Said the king, **can this sad tale be true.'' 
I lath feeble Tombotoco power to strike, 



YUPANQUrS LAMENT. 47 

The life from out the heart of warlike Cuzco ? 
Was all the blood that won from grand Chimu 
His fairest provinces, poured out in vain ? 
Hath honor fled ? Is Huan's valor lost, 
That we are beaten thus ? Beaten, aye worse, 
For, while we mourn, our enemy exults ! " 
Huan's dark face grew darker as he spoke : 
*'When homeward comes the soldier who hath won 
New fields for Cuzco, then Yupanqui smiles, 
And fondly calls him most endearing names ; 
Even the Coya adds her gracious words. 
And beams upon him with her lovely eyes, 
While all the court extol the victor's name ; 
But, when misfortune comes, as come it will, 
Sending the bleeding hero home with wounds, 
For all his striving and most grievous toil, 
For all the peril he hath bravely met. 
He meets averted eyes and cruel speech, 
His every act is set down as a fault. 
His deeds are counted naught." 

'* Thy pardon, Huan ? 
I speak my disappointment, I had thought 
To see thee homeward come with blare of horns, 
With captured thousands, and a generous train 



48 INCA ROCCA. 



Of Llamas, laden with a city's spoils. 
But beaten, Oh the import of that word ! 
I, the agressor, scourged and beaten back. 
The scorpion foiled, strikes madly his own life, 
So warlike enterprise, that meets defeat, 
Brings back beside it woful roll of death, 
Its own engorged venom to itself." 
''Then, lest the scorpion's sorry fate be thine, 
Arouse, and pluck the smarting sting away, 
To hurl again upon thy enemy, 
With strength to pierce his heart." 

"Huan, I will, 
If Inti frown not on our new assault. 
But how may we equip a force so great, 
In face of this defeat ? I know thee wise, 
And do beseech thy council, noble friend." 
" Then listen master, while I offer thee, 
For thine approval, plans that have grown up 
Within my mind, while sadly marching home. 
But first let all the knowledge of our state 
Burden thine ears. One weighty gain is ours ; 
I have with me a prisoner, a young prince. 
Who fouirht as if the sfods did ursfe him on 
To him alone we owe our direful loss ; 



THE CONFERENCE. 49 

Both Chimpo and great Chimu Titu fell 
By his own hand, before my wondering eyes ; 
Whether it better be, he die at once, 
Shall be determined by the royal will. 
One cause of our mishaps to be o'er borne. 
Is discontent, wide spread and insolent. 
A city's pillage would have much appeased 
The temper of the army, wanting this. 
Our care must be to guard against revolt. 
I do intend, from my mine own provinces, 
To bring an army forth, as great as thine, 
And with such force as thou can'st gather up. 
Make speedy end of our late enemies. 
Now mark, before our armies march again, 
I must possess thy daughter, princess Nusta, 
Now is the tmie most opportune and fit. 
To make thy promise good. 'Twill fill the ears 
Of plotters with new sounds, to check the course 
Of those hushed notes of mischief, now so rife. 
That joy may chase away the present gloom, 
Let such festivities be now ordained 
As shall engage the people pleasantly. 
And thus divert them from those dangerous 
thoughts, 



:;o /NCA AOCCA, 



That grownup in nien*s minds like noxious weeds, 

Proclaim the fact thi\>ughout the provinces. 

Fair Nusta's hand shall be niv recompense. 

The festal season shall most fitly mark. 

Thy daughter's marriage, and most happily 

Dis[x>se the j>e<.iple to olxxiience/' 

** But Huan, thou art not of ro\*al blood. 

And Nusta is a daughter of the Sr ... 

To w x\l her were gross sacrilege:. Her lox-e. 

The only joy I know, I c;mnot lose ; 

Ihit by thy puqx>se friend, it cannot be," 

** Then let the cloud that ix^sts above thy head, 

Break forth, and drive thee hence a f ugiti\^ ; 

For I alone can stay the gathering storm. 

But will not, it thou hold not to thy word," 

'"Once more, gxxxi Huan, thy pardon I invoke. 

Thou hast my w^orvi, and Nusta shall be thine. 

And that our preparations may not lag, 

I will acquaint her of our conference. 

That she make r^ady for the great extent ; 

And so, brave Huan, when ;ill plans are ripo, 

Wc will embark in this new enterprise* 

Now call the nobles to the judgment hall, 

And bring thy prisoner in, I will attend.'' 



A'OCCA Ah'KAJdNI:/). 51 



The king of Cuzco and high councillors, 
Were seated in the ancient hall of state. 
At stern Yupanqui's feet, in lovely pose, 
The pride of all the court, youn;; Nusta sat, 
Unconscious of the power of her dark eyes, 
More potent than the armies of the king. 
How helpless yet how strong ! 

The trumpet sounds ! 
Through the wide hall the armed guarrl advanced, 
And in their midst marcherl Rocca, straight and 

tall. 
With head erect he gazed uprm the court, 
Who silently returned his scrutiny; 
At length his glance fell on the lovely face, 
That gazed upon him from Yupanqui's feet, 
A look of admiration lit his eyes, 
And then he quickly raised his princely cap, 
And with its plumed crest he swept the ground. 
As he with noble deference bowed him down. 
With jealous anger, Huan saw the act, 
And marked with rage, the radiant blushing face 
With which the princess met young Rocca's glance. 
" Prostrate thyself before the king," he cried, 
''This is the court of Cuzco, know'st it not .^ " 



52 INCA IWCCA. 



'' Crouch thou, ignoble chief, it were most fit, 
The son of Manco Capac stands erect ! " 
'' Down with him, guards ! " 

"Nay, Huan," said the king, 
And as he spoke he smiled upon the youth, 
" He is our guest per force, and must be heard. 
Tell me, discourteous youth, what name is thine. 
And what thy station in thy city old ? " 
*' My name is Rocca, and a soldier I." 
** Why dost thou wear the fillet of the heir ? " 
"Because the king himself did bind it on." 
" What will thy people for thy ransom give ? " 
*' As many arrows as thou'll stay to take." 
" Cuzco destroys those dangerous to her peace." 
" When did our country offer war to thee ? " 
" Are not thy hands red with our dearest blood ? 
Did'st thou not slay Chimpo and Titu brave ? " 
" Were Chimpo's hands unstained, were Titu's 

clean ? 
We slay our foes, we load our friends with gifts." 
" And would'st thou battle with our hosts again ? " 
" Aye, when they come with murder in their hearts, 
By savage Huan led, then all as one, 
Grandsire, sire, and son, will rush to arms, 



NUSTA'S APPEAL. 53 

And overmatch thee in thy bloody trade !" 
'' Thou dost but trifle with thy life, bold youth, 
If thou hold'st to this temper thou must die." 
" Do what thou wilt, I have no fear of thee." 
"Remove him, guards ! " 

" Now my wise councillors, 
I do believe this saucy, fighting prince 
Will prove a dangerous neighbor if he lives ; 
The straitened bounds that hedge old Cupo in, 
All all too narrow for this restless youth ; 
T'were pity that so proud a head should fall. 
But duty to ourselves directs the blow ; 
And therefore I decree, with your consent. 
Lest some unseen event should set him free. 
That with to-morrow's sun he be dispatched." 

The court withdrew, and left the king alone 
With Nusta. She threw herself upon his breast, 
And, while her tears upon his mantle rained. 
She plead with all the power of filial love, 
For the young stranger's life. 

" Save him ! " she cried, 
"Shed not his blood ! He is too great and good 
Oh, would that Cuzco had such noble sons ! 



54 



IXC A HO CCA. 



He hath the beauty of a youthfui maid. 

While on his brow a noble manliness 

Doth put to shame those chiefs, whose bloody craft 

Brino^s naught but ill to thee. Oh, spare the 

youth I " 
*' Peace, child. You are too young to know 
The stem necessities of government. 
'Tis for the nation's good this prince must die, 
'Tis for the nation's good that thou must wed." 
Then springing from his arms with eyes ablaze. 
She bounded to her feet. " What dost tnou say ? 
That I must wed to serve some scheme of state. 
Alas, alas, what e\il days have come ! " 
'' Be calm, my child, I wish to honor thee. 
The greatest one at court, Huan, the brave. 
Doth sue for thee." 

" Father, is this thy will ? 
And canst thou hold the favor of this chief. 
Greater than all the love thou hast for me ? 
Canst thrust me forth from these beloved halls. 
That he may join you in more wretched wars ? 
For Huan, all your noble sons have fallen, 
For restless Huan, rivers have run red. 
For Huan, tins brave prince must lose his life. 



FATHER AND DAUGHTER. 55 

For Huan, I am doomed to worse than death, 
For death were joy to his poluting touch." 
'' Dost doubt my love, Oh, daughter I am grieved, 
That Lhou should'st doubt my wisdom or my love. 
This pretty, boyish prince, with his fine airs, 
Hath turned thy girlish head. These young 

conceits 
Are like the unstable light of sunlit clouds. 
Changing their form and hue with every breeze, 
Now white, now black, now flashing ruby red, 
While wisdom, which alone belongs to age. 
Like the strong light of the effulgent sun, 
Doth pierce and scatter all the clouds of doubt, 
Unreasoning fancies, and obscuring fogs ; 
And now most weighty matters claim my care. 
To-morrow I have much to say to thee. 
Think with more favor on the noble chief. 
He doth regard thee with a tender love, 
His fierceness, which affrights thee, is for foes, 
He is most gentle with his many friends. 
Now peace be with thee, child." 

Like graven stone 
The princess stood, with wide extended eyes. 
Her brain on fire with hot rebellious blood. 



56 INCA KOCCA. 



She thought but of escape. Whether to fly 
And hide herself in some obscure retreat, 
Or plunge within the all-devouring flood, 
And end that little life they would polute, 
Were thoughts that flashed across her laboring 

mind. 
The heavy burden of her new-found woes 
She cast on Huan's head. Would to the gods 
That some bright champion of right would come ; 
Would that the captive prince might be released, 
And live to meet this monster in fair fight. 
And smite him to the earth with his bright lance. 
Quick resolution leapt into her eyes, 
And in her reckless passion, loud she cried : 
'' He shall be free ! " Then swiftly from the hall 
She fled, and ere she stayed her flight, she gained 
That dark and dismal pile, the prison house. 
The prison keeper, Ayar, marvelled much 
To see the fair young princess at his gate. 
" Good Ayar, wilt thou serve me ? " said the maid. 
"Aye, gladly will I serve thee, Cuzco's pride." 
" But wilt thou do an act, though just and right, 
That may subject thee to a penalty ? " 
'' Tell me the service thou would'st have me do, 



THE PRISON. 57 



If not dishonoring, I will not flinch." 

"■ I wish the captive prince to be released, 

And thou alone can set the prisoner free." 

'' Set free ! It cannot be, beloved one, 

My life were forfeit if by any chance 

He pass, while yet alive, from out these walls." 

'* Canst thou not put some culprit in his place?" 

"Where is the culprit of the prince's mould? 

The noble Huan would detect the fault." 

*' Go thou then with the prince and leave thy post, 

Thou shalt be well rewarded for the act." 

*' Tempt me no more, sweet princess, lest I yield, 

And bring myself, and even thee, to shame. 

No, no, it cannot be, I must be true." 

** Go with me then, good Ayar, to the prince, 

That he may move thee, I beseech thee, Ayar." 

Young Rocca, in his shadowy prison cell. 
Strode back and forth, his eyes cast down in 

thought, 
The princess entering, he turned him round, 
And with a rare and sunny smile, he said : 
*' 'Twas not a dream then, maiden, thou art flesh." 
''This is the princess Nusta," Ayar said. 



58 INC A ROCCA. 



" In such a presence, welcome these dark walls." 

"Alas, alas ! " said Nusta, " thou art doomed, 

They have resolved upon thy death at dawn." 

'' A sombre message this, from such sweet lips, 

And by the sadness in thy youthful eyes, 

I judge that sweet compassion moveth thee." 

" I wish good Ayar here, to set thee free, 

And have besought him to unlock the gates ; 

Wilt add thy weighty speech to my poor words, 

That all his scruples may be over-borne .? " 

" Alas, he cannot, he would then be false ; 

Grieve not, sweet princess, I am full of joy. 

To speak with thee, and look within thine eyes, 

And will not cavil at my coming fate, 

Since I am blessed with thy dear condolence ; 

Nay, do not weep, for I am but a moth, 

That flutters for a moment in the flame, 

Then drops and dies, to be a moment missed. 

But if I could escape from this enthrall. 

With life to live, I'd be thy lover, maiden. 

And life were sweet with thee. Nay, do not weep 

so. 
Thy tears distress me, I shall be unmaned. 
And I have need of all my stubborn strength 



ROCCA AND NUSTA. 



59 



To meet thy royal father's messengers, 

Who come to greet me at the coming dawn." 

*' Alas, I do not weep for thee alone, 

To die like thee were better than to live 

The life in store for me, though I protest. 

That I did earnestly beseech the king 

To set thee free, before he did announce 

To me, his daughter, whom he claims to love. 

That he to blood-stained Huan had given pledge, 

That I should speedily become his wife ; 

'Twas then I prayed the gods for some strong 

hand. 
Some noble heart, as great and brave as thine, 
To grapple with this monster of the hills. 
And rid the world of his accursed life." 
"'Tis now these bonds do pinch and gall the flesh, 
Would that my will could burst these solid walls. 
That I might meet again this savage chief, 
With my good weapon I would stand or fall. 
And live or die for princess Nusta's love ! 
Thou owest me naught of love or duty, Ayar, 
I ask not for myself to be set free. 
But thou dost owe the princess all thy love. 
And she would have thee open wide the gates. 



6o INCA ROCCA. 



We both have heard her piteous tale of wrong, 
The king would give her up as recompense 
For Huan's bloody work, Oh, shameful act, 
As he would cast a bleating llama's kid. 
To glut the hungry maw of some wild beast. 
God of the sky ! and can we suffer this, 
Can we permit this wrong to one so dear, 
When we have power to thwart them ? 

Come, good Ayar, 
Now join with me and save this precious flower. 
The gods will aid and bless thee for the" act." 
'' Thou hast prevailed, I can but yield to thee, 
Till now I had the keeping of thy life, 
And now I cast my own upon thy hands. 
For I must join thy cause and with thee fly, 
But how wilt thou the princess Nusta aid ? 
She will be prisoner in the *Aclahuasa, 
When it is known that she hath wandered here, 
There to remain in strictest watch and guard, 
Until the dreaded Huan claims her hand ; 
Therefore to save her she must go with us. 
I have a plan, though but this moment framed. 
That promiseth success. My mother old, 

* House of the Virgins of the Sun. 



THE PLAN FOR ESCAPE, 6i 

A worthy dame, shall be with Nusta sent, 

In covered litters, hence by any road 

That leads from Cuzco, which so ere they choose, 

And lest she may be seen and recognized. 

The jDrincess shall above her robes put on 

The outer habit of a serving maid, 

Attendant on the dame, and, thus disguised. 

She can with safety go, now whither, Nusta ? 

For we must quickly act, or all is lost." 

"No, no, I cannot go," the princess moaned, 

*^ To leave my home and go I know not where, 

An exile and a fugitive like those 

Who flee from justice, waiting with her lash, 

To scourge the culprit for his deeds of shame. 

Oh, I am mad to flee from all I love, 

My faithful friends who wait upon my word. 

My royal father, most unhappy king, 

No, no, I cannot go, I will return, 

And seek forgiveness of my loving sire ! " 

"Did'st come to mock me ? I had been content 

To meet the fate my captors had ordained. 

But thou hast roused a new desire to live. 

And hath revealed how great the loss to die. 

Oh fie, but no, I will not chide thee, child. 



62 INCA KOCCA. 



For thou canst be no other than thou art, 

All truth, all sweetness, and all tenderness, 

Awakening love, as winds do stir the waves. 

Now list to him who loves thee, beauteous maid, 

And who would fight for thee unto the death, 

Go thou not back to Huan or the king. 

But with the dame, to my own city go ; 

Take thou this fillet, which now binds my brow, 

And when within the ancient city gates. 

Seek thou my mother, princess Ceboca, 

Give her this token from her loving son, 

And she will take thee to her inmost heart." 

'' It shall be so, brave Rocca, I will go, 

I know I could not scape the favorite chief 

If I return, but what of thine own self ? 

If Huan's swift pursuers capture thee, 

And bring thee back again, thy death is sure, 

Then I should see thy mother's tears, and add 

My own, to swell the flowing tide of grief." 

'' Now fear not, little bird, we shall not fail. 

For lest the guards should foil us, we will wait 

Till friendly night hath robbed them of their eyes, 

And then, disguised as one of Huan's chiefs, 

I will with Ayar leave these prison walls, 



THE HEADSMEN. 63 

And when we reach the outer city gates, 
If our good wits should fail to pass us on, 
A golden gift will move the stoutest bars ; 
Then all is safe, for we will follow thee, 
And guard thee from pursuit, until we meet 
Our own good friends, whom I do hope to see 
Before the morning of the second day." 

Resplendent o'er the rugged mountain heights, 

Bright morning lifted up her blushing face, 

And lit the valley with her welcome light. 

The birds awakening, now burst forth in song. 

Filling the air with sweet melodious notes. 

To greet the coming of the all-bright sun. 

Unmindful of the gladdening voice of morn. 

The uncouth headsmen marched towards the cell, 

Where Rocca had been locked but yesterday. 

With noisy calls to rouse the keeper up. 

They shouted out : '' Now bring the prisoner forth, 

The lad hath need of our good services ! 

Ayar ! Rouse thee ! The prince's head or thine 

Must be this morn presented to the king ! " 

With rattling arms and rude concerts of speech, 

They gain the keeper's lodge, and prisoner's cell, 



64 INC A ROCCA. 



But all is silent, vacant, and unbarred. 

'' Back to the palace, quick, Ayar is false ! " 

The foremost headsman cried, "seek Huan thou, 

And I will be the bearer of the tale 

To the high councillors and to the king ! 

More heads than one shall fall for this offence. 

Or I do lack the gift of prophecy. 

Now haste ye, comrades, let the truth be known ! " 

The sounds of wailing filled the palace halls, 
For princess Nusta, dearly loved, was gone ; 
The maidens wept, and mourned as for the dead, 
The solemn priests chanted their dolorous prayers, 
The evil days had come, and all were sad. 
Now supplicating, now the gods upbraiding. 
The king bewailed his loss in changing moods. 
While ever flowed his hot and swollen eyes ; 
"Can there be greater evil yet .? " he cried, 
" And what a hungry, envious beast is war. 
To swallow up the bravest and the best, 
And turn to gall the honied sweets of love ; 
Oh, wretched is that life whence joy hath fled. 
And cankering wounds alone engross the thought, 
To see our dearest efforts end in shame. 



YUFANQUrS GRIEF. 65 

Our schemes o'er thrown, enemies bolder grown, 
Days without peace, and nights without repose, 
Friends turning cold, aye, many cold in death, 
Yet colder than the dead, are friends estranged. 
All this and other ills not yet complete, 
Do but destroy our inborn love of life. 
And make most welcome that which endeth all ; 
Oh Nusta, Nusta, why didst thou rebel 
Against the wisdom of my just commands. 
And with the rashness of unreasoning youth, 
Flee from that love which beams upon thy head. 
As doth the sunlight on the tender flower ; 
Oh Huan, I am grieved and like a child." 
*' Can great Yupanqui sink to childish grief ? 
A fractious maiden would not move me so. 
It gives me joy to curb the wayward will. 
And bring young pride to strict obedience." 
"Thou hast the Armadillo's skin, good Huan, 
Rough war hath blunted thee to finer sense. 
And that which pierces me thou canst not feel, 
My heart is like to a deserted house, 
Deep scarred and scored by those who dwelt 

therein, 
A heap of ash, where once burned cheering fires, 



66 INC A A'OCCA. 



No answering voices from its chambers come, 
Naught save the hollow echo of my voice." 
"Nay, cheer up master, all will yet be well, 
The fleeting princess shall return to thee. 
And beg thy parden for her grievous fault." 
'' Alas, good friend, it is from thee she flies, 
Rather than wed thee she would end her life ; 
Oh Huan, we are crushed by angered gods. 
Wherein have we offended, ho ! answer me. 
Ye chattering priests, why art so profitless 
Thy prayers to Inti and Pachacmac? 
How is it that high heaven permits these ills .-^ 
Hast thou no offerings to appease the gods, 
And win again the smiles they once bestowed? " 
**.0h king, look on our bodies pinched with fast, 
Look on our breasts bleeding with self-made 

wounds ! 
We have not ceased to pray the gods supreme, 
And all the deities that people heaven ; 
But when the gods in anger turn away. 
Of what avail are prayers to closed ears .'' 
If thou wouldst know why heaven doth frown on 

thee. 
And cannot find the reason in thv heart, 



HFLFA. 67 

Let Hilpa, the blind Mama Cuni come, 

Hilpa the good, who daily talks with gods. 

Immortal wisdom blossoms in her words, 

She speaks as if from heaven descended." '* Go, 

And bring the sacred virgin," said the king, 

'' I pray she may dispel the gathering clouds ! " 

The priestess came with slow and solemn step, 

Her face was thin, but beautiful and fair, 

Her hair hung loose and long, and dark as night, 

Over her robe of white Vicuni wool, 

Which from her shoulders hung in graceful lines, 

And fell in folds about her sandalled feet. 

She stood awhile, her head bowed down in thought, 

Then, lifting up her face and sightless eyes, 

She raised her hand, and pointing to the king, 

Spake thus, amid the silence of the court : 

''To give thee joy ^ shall Inti scourge the land, 

Shall widozvs zueep, and helpless children pine / 

Shall godly favors aid thy criinsojt hand? 

Inti hath other so7is than thee or thine ! " 

The priestess turned about and backward strode. 

While king Yupanqui gazed with strained eyes 

Upon the spot where she had passed from sight. 



68 JNCA ROCCA. 



Huan brake silence, saying : " Do not heed 

These words oi her's, Hilpa is crazed, 

Her voice is as the sounding waterfall." 

The king spake not, but still gazed eagerly, 

As if some vision held his sense entranced, 

Then rising up, a vacant troubled look 

Came in his eyes, as he moved falteringly. 

Like one wrapt in the thraldom of a dream. 

** The king is mad ! " cried Huan, ** take him hence, 

Until his fleeting reason doth return, 

I, his chief officer, will act for him. 

First let us find the princess, help me friends, 

That we may bring the rash young maiden back ; 

No healer's art can rouse the stricken king 

Like his loved Nusta's presence. Now I go. 

And come not back without the one he mourns ! " 



THE F=^I-IGHX. 

■HE morning of the third day shed its light 
^) On rock and tree, and o'er the stately road 
That stretched across the rough and broken 
land, 
A level pavement, all of well-wrought stone, 
Built upon firm foundations, deep and strong, 
With massive walls, raised high on either hand. 
Along the ancient road young Nusta passed, 
In humble guise, as servant to the dame, 
In covered litter swiftly borne along. 
By strong-limbed bearers, chanting as they ran : 

" Onward ho, — onward ho, — 
Gently ho, — steadily. 
Light is our burden, ho, — 
See, the morn is bright. 

" Fail not ho, — quail not ho, — 
Up the hill, — readily, 
Rest we ho, — sweetly ho, — 
In the silent nis^h;. " 



70 INC A ROCCA. 



The song ceased quickly, as the leader cried : 
'* Halt comrades, halt, behokl an army comes ! 
Back to the *tambo, there in safety rest, 
Till danger passeth by, then on again." 

Rocca, as supple as the mountain stag, 

While Ayar rested, climed the highest hills, 

And from their crests, witli keen-eyed scrutiny, 

Scanned the long reaches of the winding road, 

Hoping to see the coming of his friends. 

Fearing that foes might be in close pursuit. 

See, on that southern hill, a long dark line, 

Is it the distant foliage ? no, it moves. 

It is the enemy. Then his stout heart 

Leapt, like a wild thing caged, within his breast. 

" Oh Inti, help mc ! " Rocca cried aloud, 

** To save my Nusta from base Huan's grasp." . 

But hark ! A sound of horns bursts on his ear. 

Quickly he turns, and oh, the joyful sight. 

His own loved banners flutter on the hill ! 

" Now thank the gods," sai 1 Rocca, "■ once again 

Their loving care doth gunrd and succor us." 

Then down upon the road he cast his eyes, 

* Resting Slation. 



THE LOVERS. 71 



To watch the litters as they sped along ; 

He saw them stay their march and backward turn ; 

Then like the huanaco, down the hill 

He dashed from rock to rock in fearful leaps, 

Gaining the road, he bounded o'er the wall, 

And stood before the train. ''Back, back ! " he 

cried, 
'* These are our friends, now let your burdens 

down. 
And stand in waiting yonder, till called up. 
Now praise the gods, sweet princess, thou art safe, 
My brothers are approaching, fear no more. 
The hosts of Huan, which do follow us. 
Shall flee before us like a frightened herd ; 
But thou art trembling, and thy face is white, 
And tears are flowing from thy wondrous eyes. 
Dost fear that Rocca may be over-borne, 
When Huan meets us in the coming strife ? 
Now be thou strong and brave, fear not for me, 
For when I strike for thee, my blows shall fall 
Like lightning strokes that rend the forest trees, 
This arm that now doth clasp thy form about. 
Shall gain a giant's strength from this embrace. 
For he wdio loves and is not thrice the man, 



72 INCA ROCCA. 



Loveth not Nusta, nor hath Rocca's love." 
*' Oh noble Rocca, canst thou not escape, 
Must thou expose thy breast to Huan's lance ? 
Alas, his deadly thrust may end thy life. 
Oh dreadful thought, that all thy glorious youth, 
With all its beauty, and that godlike mind. 
That prompts the gracious wisdom of thy words, 
Should be cast in the m.idst of deadly strife, 
To brave the perils of the bloody field ; 
I know my feeble words can stay thee not. 
Therefore I pray great Inti be thy shield ; 
If love can guard thy breast, thou art as safe 
As if defended by the stoutest wall, 
For thou hast more of it than thou canst know, 
It doth enwrap thee like a robe of light, 
And from its folds thou lookest in my eyes, 
Like Viracocha, come again to earth.'-' 
"If love could shield the heart it doats upon. 
And hate's sharp arrows pierce its enemies, 
Then might we lay aside our arms of bronze, 
And fight our battles like the deathless gods ; 
But woman's love, though it be measureless, 
Turns not the soldier's stubborn point aside, 
And he who wins the fight must needs be strong. 



IWCCA'S FRIENDS. 73 

Must be all eyes, no serpent's tongue so quick, 
And he must still fight on, nor heed the pain, 
Though pricked and buffeted, and pricked again." 
" I can but pray for thee, if thou shouldst fall. 
If Nusta's love, and Rocca's strength shield not 
Thy noble heart, I too will follow straight ; 
The rain from out mine eyes will fall, until 
It grows a lake, to gulf and drown me in." 
^' Stay, stay, my princess, look not on me so. 
Lest this sweet commerce, this unwonted joy, 
May steal away the power that I would gain, 
For I shall be too fond, and may forget 
The sterner duties that do compass us. 
But when the fight is o'er, if all is well, 
I'll wear the garment thou hast clothed me in, 
As proudly as the king his regal robes. 
Now bearers, to your posts, the army comes, 
Take up your burdens!" 

Rocca rose and stood 
Before his friends, and when they saw his face 
They cried out : ''Rocca! Inca Rocca ! King! 
King Cupo lieth dead, thou art the king ! " 
And then they gathered round their youthful lord, 
And heard the story of his perils passed, 



74 INC A IWCCA. 



And of the princess Nusta, Cuzco's pride, 
Whose courage saved him from the headsman's axe. 
And then he pointed to the blushing maid, 
Who sat upon the litter near at hand, 
"Behold fair Nusta, daughter of the king, 
Salute the princess, Rocca's promised bride ! " 
The warriors bowed their faces to the ground, 
And gave the sign of loyalty and love, 
Due to the coya of the reigning prince ; 
These greetings past, the princess and the dame, 
Were quickly borne beyond the arrows' flight. 
And then the stern-voiced captains' loud commands, 
Resounded from the hills on either hand. 
Quickly the. fighting men were so disposed. 
That they might hold the coming foe in check. 
Now fast approaching. 

Rocca and his chiefs, 
Huascar in their midst, stood stern and grave, 
A stubborn bar to Huan's onward march. 
Foremost within the enemy's close ranks, 
Rocca beheld the plumes of Huan's crest. 
And then he grasped his lance with firmer grip, 
And touched the javelin upon his back. 
While hotly through his veins a torrent coursed, 



THE MESSENGER. 75 

That raised his warlike passion to a flame. 

Now from the enemy's close ranks came forth 
A messenger, with signs of peace, low bowed 
He as he reached the spot were Rocca stood, 
And said : '' My master greets thee ! He but seeks 
The king's young daughter, Nusta, who hath fled, 
If she be with thee, this is his command. 
That thou do safely place her in his charge. 
This done, he straight will turn his army back. 
And spare thee from that doom so justly thine ! " 
Greater and stronger looked the youthful prince, 
As he with flashing eye and curling lip. 
Answered the messenger with rapid speech : 
" Go tell thy master, who the princess seeks, 
That she is safely guarded from his care. 
But if resolved to take the maiden back, 
He must needs take us captive, every one, 
Or o'er our bodies make himself a path, 
Before he wins the prize ! " 

*' Most noble prince, 
I will repeat to Huan all thy words. 
Now pray tl.ee listen : In the coming nght, 
Which cannot now be stayed or turned aside, 



76 JNCA ROCCA. 



Let Huan and his nobles bear thy blows, 
We will not shield them, for we love them not ; 
But spare thou Cuzco's soldiers as thy friends, 
Who will not cast an arrow at thy ranks, 
Unless attacked. Rocca, if thou art wdse, 
And wise thou art, and good as thou art wise, 
For goodly wisdom dwelleth in thy face. 
Oh come to us and we will lift thee up. 
And seat thee on the ancient golden throne. 
Long have the people bowed before the gods, 
Praying that they would raise them up a prince, 
Who would not turn away from the sad cries 
Of hungering, naked babes, but who would lift 
The heavy burdens from our galled necks. 
And bring back peace and plenty once again." 
*' Thanks, gentle messenger, that thou art true, 
The silent witness of thy flowing eyes 
Doth give good proof, and if the gods so will 
That we restore the ancient dynasty. 
And once again unite the provinces 
In happy concord, let the gods have praise. 
Now speed thee back, good friend, to Huan's 

post, 
While we await his onset as we stand." 



THE DEATH OF HUAN. 77 

Soon Huan's force, which Hned the road of stone, 
Divided in the midst, and leaped the walls, 
Then spreading wide asunder in the rear, 
Slowly advanced in backward sloping lines, 
While Huan and his nobles kept the road, 
And boldly charged upon their enemies. 
Rocca and his chiefs in warlike pose. 
Stood still and firm, waiting with beating hearts, 
Huascar's trumpet voice. A moment passed, 
A dreadful moment, when the rushing sound. 
The rumbling roar of swift approaching foes. 
Appals the brave, and shakes the solid earth. 
"Now," cried Huascar, '' hurl your javelins ! " 
Like winged lightning from a tempest cloud. 
The brazen darts flashed forth in gleaming lines, 
And then in Cuzco's ranks a cry was heard, 
"Hold comrades, hold ! Our chieftain Huan 

falls ! " 
For Rocca's shaft with aim so true had sped. 
That Huan's sinewy neck was riven through, 
And falling on his back the upright staff 
Of Rocca's weapon, wedged within his flesh. 
Was shaken by the struggling, dying chief, 
While from the wound burst forth a crimson fount. 



78 INCA AOCCA. 



That flowed in purple rills along the ground. 

When Rocca saw the mighty warrior fall, 

He stayed the charge, while Huan's hosts stood 

still, 
In deep amazement at their leader's death. 
"■ Great Huan lieth dead ! " the nobles cried, 
" Wherefore contend, we cannot serve him more, 
The gods are not with us, but with our foes, 
Why should we longer fight against high heaven ?' 
Then Rooca's hosts upraised a joyful shout : 
" Huan is dead ! By Rocca's weapon slain ! 
All hail to Rocca! Inca Rocca ! King! " 
And when the cheering notes had died away, 
The men of Cuzco threw aside their arms, 
And crowding to the front, all cried aloud : 
" All hail to Inca Rocca, Cuzco's king ! " 
Twas then the sun pierced through the heavy 

clouds, 
And cast a narrow beam on Rocca's form. 
Adding new glory to his glorious crest. 
"Behold, a sign ! " burst from a thousand throats, 
"Great Inti marks him for his chosen Son ! " 
Then Cuzco's nobles joined the soldiery. 
And cried out, " Inca Rocca, be thou king ! " 



ROCCA AND NUSTA. 79 



Amid the joy that beamed from every face, 

Ceboca came to greet her glorious son, 

Stately and proud her step, her piercing eye, 

And softly curving lip, bespoke her blood. 

Linked to her arm, fair as a happy dream. 

Walked princess Nusta, Cuzco's pride and joy. 

Tall as the matron that she walked beside. 

Slight was her form, the perfect mould of youth, 

The fairest flower of the abounding earth, 

Her eyes scarce dry from tears of fear and doubt, 

Looked with fond eagerness upon her lord, 

Rocca had slain her enemy and was safe. 

He was her hero. Son of Liti, King ! 

His presence filled the w^orld, and all besides 

Was worthless, shadowy, and far away. 

Then Rocca took the maiden in his arms. 

And lightly placed her on the wall's broad top. 

Then leaping up, one hand he joined with her's, 

The other raised to still the murmuring throng, 

*'If I am King, as by thy loving cries. 

And by great Inti's favor doth appear. 

Behold the Coya, Nusta, Cuzco's pride ! " 

The gay caps of the thronging warriors. 

Were swiftly flung high in the air, and then 



8o INCA ROCCA. 



Like mighty winds the minorled voices rose, 
In joyful notes of greeting, long and loud. 
Which rose and fell as^ain like rollino: waves. 
The day was closed with feasting, song, and dance, 
And on the morrow, back to Cuzco's gates 
All bent their steps. 

Joy reigned amid the hosts ! 
As winged seeds are lifted by the winds, 
And scattered fast and far o'er hill and dale, 
So sped with many an added wonderment. 
The story of the princess and the prince. 
The princess with those eyes so wonderful, 
Whose smile excelled the blushing light of morn. 
Whose teeth were like the young white grains of 

maize, 
Whose limbs were clasped by shining golden 

bands, 
Whose raiment matched the dyes of sunset clouds. 
The prince, so tall and strong, whose flying lance 
Had struck dark Huan lifeless to the earth. 
The prince that Inti clothed in shining light. 
The prince beloved by all the heavenly gods. 
Whose reign would bring the ancient glory back, 
And once more cover all the hills with corn. 



GLAD TIDINGS. 8i 

From mouth to mouth the glad tale winged its 

flight, 
Then slumbering hope awakened in each breast, 
At last the gods had given their pleadings heed. 
The toilers at the plow laid down their yokes, 
The quarrymen their brazen hammers dropt, 
The herdsmen left their flocks to graze alone, 
The metal workers ceased to ply their art. 
The maidens ceased to spin, for who could toil, 
Who felt their grievous burdens now unloosed, 
Their hearts were all too full for busy hands. 



THE Ti^MROH TO OWZOO. 

/|\S onward to the ancient capital, 
5^ Rocca advanced with his late enemies, 
But now his loving friends, they gathered 
flowers 
To strew before him as he journeyed on ; 
The gracious words he spoke were treasured up, 
And oft repeated after many years. 
Laden with blossoms, Nusta's litter passed, 
Borne on the shoulders of the soldiery, 
Who strove among themselves for leave to bear 
The star of Cuzco. 

Joyously they marched. 
And from the country side the people came. 
In growing numbers as they passed along, 
Swelling the countless host, that centered round 
The youthful pair, on whom hung all their hopes, 
Their newly wakened hopes of bounteous peace. 

When they approached the city of the kings, 
The gathering throng grew vast and numberless, 



YUPANQUI. ^2> 



The road was spanned with floral wreaths, held up 
By slender cords from framework of green boughs. 
Then from the city came a numerous host, 
Bearing broad litters, crowned with golden seats, 
On these they sat the princess and the prince, 
And thus in regal state they bore them in, 
Through the thick masses of the populace. 
Through the broad gates and o'er the ancient 

bridge, 
And onward to the palace of the kings. 

Within his chamber lay the king supine. 

Upon his couch of wool, and overspread 

With Cumbi cloth, bedecked with figures quaint, 

Inwoven by the Virgins of the Sun, 

In colors soft, of never fading dyes, 

And over all arose a canopy, 

Of finely braided grass, on bars of gold, 

Supported at the corners of the couch. 

By columns of pure silver, deftly wrought. 

In stalks and leaves of maize, with golden ears. 

Through the wide casement came, first murmering 

sounds, 
Then swelling to a roar of countless tongues. 



84 INC A IWCCA. 



Resounded through the palace, rousing up 
The slumbering king. 

Then louder came the cries : 
*' All hail to Inca Rocca ! Cuzco's King ! " 
Yupanqui turned him wearily, and spoke 
In feeble tones to his attendant : *• Whence 
These cries of Inca Rocca, dost thou hear? " 
*'The princess hath returned, and with her 

comes 
The captive prince." 

*' Why comes she not to me } 
And why does Huan keep himself aloof? " 
" Huan was slain in battle by the prince, 
And now the people all do call him king. 
Behold, thy daughter and the prince approach." 

A flood of grief seized Nusta as she saw 
Her stricken sire, and kneeling by his couch. 
Hid in his mantle's fold her streaming eyes, 
And clasped her arms about his aged form ; 
Long she continued thus, no words she spoke, 
But sobbed in childish fondness on his breast. 
At length the king called Rocca to his side, 
"Dost call thyself the king of Cuzco ? youth," 



YUPANQUI CONSENTS. 



He cried, *'and dost thou come to claim my 

throne ? " 
" I come because the gods do point the way, 
Because the people call me Inca, King, 
And gather round me in a mighty host ; 
But more than for thy kingdom, I have come 
For love of Nusta, whom I hope to wed." 
Then said the king, in slow and trembling voice : 
"I am content, I am no longer king." 
And then he joined the lovers hands and smiled, 
''Tis well," he said, " and let the gods have praise, 
Now I am weary, go, and do thy will, 
The gods have spoken, and I am content." 



THE TMTT^RRIT^OO. 

^-^^LD Cuzco's walls, with banners gaily dressed, 
i;^y Looked down upon a scene of joyous life, 
The moving throng toward the temple 
pressed, 
To gain the crowded front, m friendly strife, 
There to await with smilmg eager eyes, 
The royal pair, to see them pass, all dressed 
In flowing marriage robes of ruby dyes. 
Bedecked with shining gems, with plumed crests, 
That capped their dark and flowing locks with 

white. 
The trumpet sounds. Behold the pageant train 
Pass proudly by, laden with garlands bright ; 
Then melody, with loud exultant strain. 
Thrilled every breast, and in each heart awoke 
Fair visions of the coming days sublime, 
Of godly promise. For Rocca's weapon's stroke, 
That wondrous stroke, was by the gods divine 
Directed. 

Through the temple's sacred gates, 



BEFORE THE GOLDEN SHRINE, 87 



Which none besides could enter, save the priests 
And sacred virgins, to the golden shrine. 
Now sprinkled with the blood of slaughtered 

beasts, 
Rocca and Nusta passed, with naked feet, 
And as they humbly sank upon their knees, 
A flash of sunlight lit the fretted wall, 
From floor of ponderous stone to golden frieze, 
The kneeling figures, in their vestments bright, 
Bowed low, and to the gods each breathed a 

prayer, 
Then lifting up their heads, Oh, wondrous 

sight ! 
A glowing crown of sunbeams rested there. 
The solemn priests, and virgins of the sun. 
As they beheld with awe the heavenly rays, 
Up rose, and with one voice of ecstacy, 
Burst forth in loud exultant songs of praise. 
The aged high-priest, whose white flowing hair, 
Down on his breast and white-robed shoulders 

streamed. 
Stood up, and to the image raised his eyes. 
The golden sun that down upon him gleamed, 
With hands upraised, in invocation lost. 



88 TNCA ROCCA. 



He stood, no movement made or words he spoke, 
Then with deep reverence raised his trembling 

voice, 
And in hushed tones the solemn stillness broke : 

*' God of the shining face, 
Father of kings, 
Scatter the heavy clouds, 
Give them swift wings. 

" Open thine ears to us 
While we bow down, 
Long have thy people wept 
Under thy frown. 

** Look on this favored son, 
Inti divine ; 

Son of a hundred kings. 
Is he not thine ? 

"Clothe him in wisdom's robes, 
Sandals of truth 
Put thou upon his feet ; 
Long save his youth. 



REJOICING. &9 



*' Let this thy daughter be 
Equal in name 
With Mama Oello, 
Equal in fame. 

" Join them, great Sun and Moon, 
Father and Mother, 
In the strong bonds of love 
One with the other." 

The lovers rose, then to the inner court, 

The place devoted to the mother white, 

To bow before the broad, bright silver shrine, 

Of Mama Ouilla, goddess of the night. 

Who sends the rain to wet the thirsty ground, 

Who helps the springing seed to burst the earth. 

Who bringeth forth the ripe fruit of the fields. 

Who blesseth love, and ruleth over birth. 

Now, as with many blessings crowned, the twain 

Walked from the sacred temple of the gods, 

The loud voiced horns burst forth, and o'er their 

heads 
A canopy was raised on golden rods. 
And borne aloft by youths of noble birth, 



90 



INC A ROCCA, 



Who proudly walked beside the wedded pair, 
O'er pathways thick with blossoms overspread, 
While trumpet sounds and greetings shook the air. 
With tasseled banners floating in the breeze, 
And led by many a white-robed chanting priest, 
They passed within the ancient banquet hall 
Of Cuzco's kings, to share the marriage feast. 
Softly sweet music floated through the hall, 
The poets sang their legendary lays, 
The wise Amautas tied the quippu knots, 
To mark this day of joy, brightest of days. 

'Twas thus the years of Rocca's reign began, 

Those years so full of calm content and peace. 

Those years that saw again the empire's growth, 

That saw the Inca's goodly sway increased, 

That heard again the songs of husbandmen. 

The merry-hearted tillers of the soil. 

That saw the terraced, rugged mountain slopes, 

Yield up their store of fruits to willing toil, 

That heard the welcome sound of hammer strokes, 

Saw busy metal workers' fires ablaze. 

Saw in each valley granaries built up. 

And filled from floor to roof with yellow maize, 



CONCLUSION. 



That saw the young men learning of the wise 
The mysteries of art. 

The gods had sent 
Great blessings with those ever glorious days, 
And years, so full of peace and calm content. 



^ 



>cS 



^^mm 





